Do you ever find yourself playing the comparison game? Do you think everyone else’s life is perfect just because someone may have a partner or tons of friends and things seem easy for them? Like most other college students, they lead similar lives to you and similarly feel like there’s nowhere else to turn. In today’s college landscape, everyone strives for perfection, which creates an unrealistic way of life. College is hard, and navigating your social life is even harder when these comparisons are constantly being made, but well-being in college doesn’t have to feel so out of reach.
The Role of Social Media and Comparison
Social media is a huge obstacle to get past the negative self-talk. So often on social media, you will see others posting about their vacations, going out and their seemingly perfect relationships. As human beings, it’s easy to get caught up in what we tell ourselves is real, when in fact, it’s just a highlight reel of their life. Behind the scenes, you have no idea if that picture was taken 100 times then photoshopped or if their relationship is on the rocks. These constant comparisons make it so we think our lives aren’t as good as they should be.
Combating Modern Coming-of-Age Struggles
Accepting your individuality and finding your path in college is challenging but exciting once you get on the right track. There are so many experiences to look forward to when you finally accept yourself for who you are, do the work and surround yourself with like-minded people. Let’s explore a few effective ways to navigate the body image and peer pressure challenges that accompany life as a college student.
Eliminate the Perfection Standard
When we eliminate the perfection standard that we so harshly establish, we give ourselves time and space for what really matters in our lives. Focusing on your progress rather than perfection is key to eliminating this standard. If we continue to make meaningful progress and small improvements over time, momentum grows, making it easier to eliminate this expectation for ourselves.
Surround Yourself with Positivity
Nine times out of ten your friends struggle with the same inner battles with body image as you. Surround yourself with friends and groups on campus that promote positivity and self-acceptance. Build relationships with different classmates and your professors. Sometimes we have to look outside of our inner circles to find people who have a positive influence on you to lean on for extra support.
Engage in Healthy Habits
Prioritize yourself and your needs rather than what you see on social media. Influencers can sometimes negatively impact you depending on what they post. When influencers eat and spark thinking that you should also be eating similarly, that is a negative influence on you. Just because an influencer buys a product or eats a particular meal doesn’t make it right or healthy. Eating nutrient-dense foods, staying hydrated and exercising or taking walks can help you feel the best version of yourself. Most importantly—prioritize your sleep, especially when your schedule is very demanding.
College is hard and finding your routine is even harder. Trying to balance school work, social life and your own priorities can be overwhelming. We at Manhattan Wellness are here for you, always. We offer remote therapy options that are easily accessible from your college dorm to help you feel refreshed and ready to go back into the world with a new mindset.
THERAPY SERVICES FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS WE OFFER IN MANHATTAN & BROOKLYN, NEW YORK
Taking care of yourself physically and emotionally will enhance your ability to cope with academic demands and personal challenges. While college has so much to offer, it can feel overwhelming and exhausting, often leading to feelings of burnout. Setting aside time for you, including finding time to rest and rejuvenate is essential in adjusting to this transition.
At Manhattan Wellness, we understand that the transition to college is an exciting time filled with so much opportunity. But, we also know that with change comes a lot of uncertainty, which can be intimidating and stressful. We are here to support you in finding your path and feeling confident as you take on this new chapter. Follow these steps:
- Submit a Contact Form or Email Us at hello@manhattanwellness.org
- Learn More About Our Team of Therapists for College Students and Our Therapy Specialists
- Get Support As You Find Your Path in College!
SPECIFIC THERAPY SERVICE WE OFFER IN MANHATTAN & ONLINE THROUGHOUT NEW YORK, NEW JERSEY AND FLORIDA
We understand that navigating college in Manhattan can come with many emotions and feelings behind it. This is why our Manhattan therapists offer a range of counseling services. The mental health services we offer are Depression Therapy, Anxiety Therapy, Individual Therapy, Therapy for Self-Esteem and more.
Are you feeling like you’re not living the life you want and need to make changes? Let’s talk about it.
